Dodgers News And Rumors: Beckett Says He’s Ready For Opening Day

The fifth spot in the Los Angeles Dodgers starting rotation is one of the big question marks heading into spring training. With news that Josh Beckett is no longer feeling a tingling, numbing sensation in his hand, he believes he’s definitely ready for the start of the season. The Dodgers are beginning to become more hopeful that Beckett will be able to bounce back from his surgery, something that was highly doubtful during the off-season.

Beckett had surgery early last season to fix his TOS (Thoracic Outlet Syndrome), which created numbness and tingling in his hand. In the eight games he did start for the Dodgers, he went 0-5 with a 5.19 ERA, but these numbers could very well be attributed to his injury.

After the Dodgers lost out in the Masahiro Tanaka and the Bronson Arroyo sweepstakes, they decided to sign left-handed pitcher Paul Maholm to a one-year deal to give themselves more options due to the uncertainty of Beckett’s health. Most likely, one of these two pitchers will assume the number five spot in the rotation and both have expressed their willingness to make a switch to the bullpen if needed.

Currently, the one through four starters include Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke, Hyun-Jin Ryu, and Dan Haren. If Beckett’s health happens to digress, the Dodgers now have a little more security in who can be the fifth pitcher.

About The Author

Nadia Tseng is a UCLA student looking to pursue a career in the film or sports industries. A New York sports fan at heart, she co-hosts an MLB talk show for UCLA Radio and is currently an editorial intern for Screen International.